Best EDC Folding / Pocket Knives
A knife is one of the most basic and useful tools, and I think everyone should carry one on a daily basis. Knives may be needed for work, for daily tasks, for self defense, while camping outdoors, while traveling, etc. Before you decide to carry one with you, make sure to check your local laws. That way you avoid any unnecessary problems. Also please be careful when handling knives. As it’s easy to cut yourself.
Everyone has different live styles and different needs. Therefore the best knife to carry with you everyday is always going to depend of different factors. What may be the best for me, may not be the best for you. Or the other way around.
Keeping that in mind. There are hundreds if not thousands of knives available in the market. I’m going to show you what I consider to be the best options. Let’s take a look at them!
Everyone has different live styles and different needs. Therefore the best knife to carry with you everyday is always going to depend of different factors. What may be the best for me, may not be the best for you. Or the other way around.
Keeping that in mind. There are hundreds if not thousands of knives available in the market. I’m going to show you what I consider to be the best options. Let’s take a look at them!
Fox - Dart Knife FX-597
This knife is my daily carry and top pick. It was designed by Doug Markaida. The size, weight and features are fantastic. It can be used for any task needed and would excel at self defense. Extremely fast to deploy thanks to the Emerson wave design combined with the ring. Ambidextrous pocket clip placement. Comfortable G10 handles.
Specifications:
-Blade Steel: N690Co stainless steel
-Hardness: HRC 58-60
-Blade Coating: black Idroglider
-Handle: G10 black
-Clip: stainless steel 420J2B - reversible
-Back Ring: T6-6082 aircraft aluminum
-Blade Length: 6.5 cm - 2.56"
-Overall Length: 18.5 cm - 7.28"
-Blade Thickness: 3 mm - 0.12"
-Weight: 100 gr - 3.53 oz
Specifications:
-Blade Steel: N690Co stainless steel
-Hardness: HRC 58-60
-Blade Coating: black Idroglider
-Handle: G10 black
-Clip: stainless steel 420J2B - reversible
-Back Ring: T6-6082 aircraft aluminum
-Blade Length: 6.5 cm - 2.56"
-Overall Length: 18.5 cm - 7.28"
-Blade Thickness: 3 mm - 0.12"
-Weight: 100 gr - 3.53 oz
Fox - Karambit FX-599
One of the best folding karambits you can buy. Designed by Doug Markaida. Pretty much the same features as the dart knife but with a karambit blade.
Specifications:
-Blade Steel: N690Co stainless steel
-Hardness: HRC 58-60
-Blade Coating: black Idroglider
-Handle: G10 black
-Clip: stainless steel 420J2B - reversible
-Back Ring: T6-6082 aircraft aluminum
-Blade Length: 6.5 cm - 2.56"
-Overall Length: 17.5 cm - 6.89"
-Blade Thickness: 3 mm - 0.12"
-Weight: 100 gr - 3.53 oz
Specifications:
-Blade Steel: N690Co stainless steel
-Hardness: HRC 58-60
-Blade Coating: black Idroglider
-Handle: G10 black
-Clip: stainless steel 420J2B - reversible
-Back Ring: T6-6082 aircraft aluminum
-Blade Length: 6.5 cm - 2.56"
-Overall Length: 17.5 cm - 6.89"
-Blade Thickness: 3 mm - 0.12"
-Weight: 100 gr - 3.53 oz
Emerson - Combat Karambit Flipper
Probably the best folding karambit available in the market. I have the regular combat model which is amazing, and it alternates with the dart knife as my daily carry. This newer model has the same great features and adds even more. Also available in black.
The Combat Karambit, is the ultimate 21st Century folding knife by Emerson Knives, Inc. Along with our patented “Wave Feature”, the Combat Karambit is one of the finest personal defense weapons ever developed. Featuring black G-10 handles for a textured grip, and a beautifully designed Karambit blade- This is one of the most bad-ass every day carries you can own.
The Combat Karambit Flipper is the next evolution in our Best Selling Karambit Series. Now featuring Ball Bearings and a Flipper mechanism for a smooth and fast deployment. The Combat Karambit Flipper features everything you know and love about the original Karambit by Emerson Knives.
Featuring three deployment variations. Wave Out, Flip Out and Thumb Out.
Specifications:
-Handles: G10
-Lock: Titanium
-Blade: 154CM w/GTC Bearings
-Grind: Razor Sharp Chisel Grind
-Overall Lenght: 6.8 in.
-Blade Lenght: 2.6 in.
-Blade Thickness: .125 in.
-Hardness: 57-59RC
-Weight: 3.6 oz.57-59RC
The Combat Karambit, is the ultimate 21st Century folding knife by Emerson Knives, Inc. Along with our patented “Wave Feature”, the Combat Karambit is one of the finest personal defense weapons ever developed. Featuring black G-10 handles for a textured grip, and a beautifully designed Karambit blade- This is one of the most bad-ass every day carries you can own.
The Combat Karambit Flipper is the next evolution in our Best Selling Karambit Series. Now featuring Ball Bearings and a Flipper mechanism for a smooth and fast deployment. The Combat Karambit Flipper features everything you know and love about the original Karambit by Emerson Knives.
Featuring three deployment variations. Wave Out, Flip Out and Thumb Out.
Specifications:
-Handles: G10
-Lock: Titanium
-Blade: 154CM w/GTC Bearings
-Grind: Razor Sharp Chisel Grind
-Overall Lenght: 6.8 in.
-Blade Lenght: 2.6 in.
-Blade Thickness: .125 in.
-Hardness: 57-59RC
-Weight: 3.6 oz.57-59RC
Terrain 365 - Invictus
If you are constantly in wet conditions and environments, then this is the knife to get!. Available in different variants. Shorter, longer, G10 scales, or all titanium.
Precision made, rustproof, and versatile, this is a folder born from purpose-driven design in an industrial aesthetic and built with state-of-the-art alloys. You'll never have to worry about rust or pitting from getting the Invictus-ATC soaking wet by sea water to jungle sweat. From backpacking to portaging, navigating through a remote, sun baked ancient city in a distant land, exploring mysterious ruins deep in a jungle, or a week of epic sets on a hidden break in the South Pacific, this high performance folder is an apex cutting tool for explorers and adventurers. The Terrain 365 Invictus-ATC is a superlative Adventure Tool for All Terrains that you'll never want to explore the world without.
Specifications:
Precision made, rustproof, and versatile, this is a folder born from purpose-driven design in an industrial aesthetic and built with state-of-the-art alloys. You'll never have to worry about rust or pitting from getting the Invictus-ATC soaking wet by sea water to jungle sweat. From backpacking to portaging, navigating through a remote, sun baked ancient city in a distant land, exploring mysterious ruins deep in a jungle, or a week of epic sets on a hidden break in the South Pacific, this high performance folder is an apex cutting tool for explorers and adventurers. The Terrain 365 Invictus-ATC is a superlative Adventure Tool for All Terrains that you'll never want to explore the world without.
Specifications:
- OAL: 7.0625"
- Blade Length: 3.00"
- Thickness: 0.138"
- Construction Type: Framelock Folder
- Weight: 3.7oz
Microtech - Ultratech
It is slim, lightweight, has a good size and comes in a variety of blade styles, materials and finishes.
The Microtech Ultratech is the flagship in the Microtech OTF line. This model allows the firing mechanism to be at rest in the open and closed position ensuring a fast, reliable opening and closing. It is the standard OTF knife that all others are measured against. The Microtech Ultratech fires in and out automatically via the sliding firing button on the knife's right side. The actions on these are exceptional.
Specifications:
The Microtech Ultratech is the flagship in the Microtech OTF line. This model allows the firing mechanism to be at rest in the open and closed position ensuring a fast, reliable opening and closing. It is the standard OTF knife that all others are measured against. The Microtech Ultratech fires in and out automatically via the sliding firing button on the knife's right side. The actions on these are exceptional.
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 3.375"
- Overall Length: 8.375"
- Blade Material: M390
- Handle Length: 5"
- Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Weight: 3.2 oz.
- Made In USA
Microtech - Exocet
This is a great full auto compact knife. Legal in most places because of its small size. Offered in tanto or double edge, plain or serrated variants. Available in a multitude of colors and styles. Definitely a very nice option for a daily carry knife.
The Microtech Exocet is a stout out-the-front (OTF) knife with automatic double-action and a sub two-inch blade, making it legal in California. Microtechs OTF knives are known for their snappy blade deployment and retraction, tight tolerances, and intuitive American design—the Exocet boasts each of these qualities in spades! Additionally, its pocket clip is wide and thin, allowing it to double as the worlds coolest money clip. Few knives are as pocket-worthy as this one: it’s pe a treat to operate, has quality materials, and is multifunctional. If youre looking to improve your EDC game, look no further.
Specifications:
-Overall Length: 5.6"
-Blade Length: 1.99"
-Blade Thickness: 0.06"
-Handle Material: 6061 Aluminum
-Weight: 3.1oz.
-Closed Length: 3.63"
-Knife Category: Automatic
-Action: Double Action Out The Front (D/A OTF)
-Country of Origin: USA
The Microtech Exocet is a stout out-the-front (OTF) knife with automatic double-action and a sub two-inch blade, making it legal in California. Microtechs OTF knives are known for their snappy blade deployment and retraction, tight tolerances, and intuitive American design—the Exocet boasts each of these qualities in spades! Additionally, its pocket clip is wide and thin, allowing it to double as the worlds coolest money clip. Few knives are as pocket-worthy as this one: it’s pe a treat to operate, has quality materials, and is multifunctional. If youre looking to improve your EDC game, look no further.
Specifications:
-Overall Length: 5.6"
-Blade Length: 1.99"
-Blade Thickness: 0.06"
-Handle Material: 6061 Aluminum
-Weight: 3.1oz.
-Closed Length: 3.63"
-Knife Category: Automatic
-Action: Double Action Out The Front (D/A OTF)
-Country of Origin: USA
Benchmade - Bugout 535
This knife has very good reviews, and it’s available in a wide variety of options. It’s slim, very lightweight, has an ambidextrous clip, and a visually pleasing clean design.
The Bugout is one of the most popular knives from Benchmade, and one of the most pocketed blades in the EDC community. Originally designed and built for outdoor adventurers who demand durability in a light, ergonomic, barely-there package, it’s exactly what you’d want for the daily grind, too. It comes in a CPM-S30V drop-point blade to make maintenance a breeze.
The Bugout was designed for the modern adventurer, incorporating the lightest, best performing materials in an extremely slim yet ergonomic package.
Subtle, yet capable, the latest version of the Bugout was developed to be easily carried anywhere without drawing attention to itself. Ranger green handles and a smoked gray, Cerakote blade blend into nearly any environment. Whether you're in the city or mountains, this lightweight folder will be ready when you are.
Specifications:
-Action: manual opening
-Blade Steel: CPMS30V (58-60 HRC)
-Blade Length: 3.24” (8.23cm)
-Blade Thickness: 0.090” (2.29mm)
-Open Length: 7.46” (18.95cm)
-Closed Length: 4.22” (10.72cm)
-Handle Thickness: 0.42” (10.54mm)
-Weight: 1.85oz. (52.45g)
The Bugout is one of the most popular knives from Benchmade, and one of the most pocketed blades in the EDC community. Originally designed and built for outdoor adventurers who demand durability in a light, ergonomic, barely-there package, it’s exactly what you’d want for the daily grind, too. It comes in a CPM-S30V drop-point blade to make maintenance a breeze.
The Bugout was designed for the modern adventurer, incorporating the lightest, best performing materials in an extremely slim yet ergonomic package.
Subtle, yet capable, the latest version of the Bugout was developed to be easily carried anywhere without drawing attention to itself. Ranger green handles and a smoked gray, Cerakote blade blend into nearly any environment. Whether you're in the city or mountains, this lightweight folder will be ready when you are.
Specifications:
-Action: manual opening
-Blade Steel: CPMS30V (58-60 HRC)
-Blade Length: 3.24” (8.23cm)
-Blade Thickness: 0.090” (2.29mm)
-Open Length: 7.46” (18.95cm)
-Closed Length: 4.22” (10.72cm)
-Handle Thickness: 0.42” (10.54mm)
-Weight: 1.85oz. (52.45g)
Ontario Knife Company - Rat
This is another knife that has very positive reviews. There are two models. The bigger size Rat 1 and the Smaller Rat 2. Available in several combinations of colors, plain and half serrated blade.
Founded in 1889 The Ontario Knife Company has a long tradition of building knives and tools for the US military, producing high quality equipment that has seen continuous service since WWII.
The Ontario RAT is a superb design from Randall's Adventure & Training. This knife is designed for comfort and performance with an index finger groove on the handle to keep your hand from sliding and jimping on the spine of the blade for controlled cutting. The handle features textured nylon 6 scales with an open-built steel linerlock frame and a 4-position pocket clip.
Founded in 1889 The Ontario Knife Company has a long tradition of building knives and tools for the US military, producing high quality equipment that has seen continuous service since WWII.
The Ontario RAT is a superb design from Randall's Adventure & Training. This knife is designed for comfort and performance with an index finger groove on the handle to keep your hand from sliding and jimping on the spine of the blade for controlled cutting. The handle features textured nylon 6 scales with an open-built steel linerlock frame and a 4-position pocket clip.
Off-Grid Knives - Baby Rhino
Smallest knife on the list. Looks great and it’s built like a tank!. If you are looking for something super portable then this is the one to get. Available in 3 color options.
Compact, legal carry and EDC ready. Sandvik 14C28N blade steel which has incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance. The DLC coating adds even more corrosion resistance and toughness with a tumbled blackwash finish for added badassery. It has a comfortable 3 finger grip, G10 scales and the exact beefy handle thickness. Ambidextrous flushed deep carry clip.
Specifications:
-Weight: 3.2 oz.
-Blade Lenght: 2.45 in.
-Blade Width: 1 in.
-Blade Thickness: 3.18 mm
-Handle Lenght: 3.2 in.
-Blade steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Compact, legal carry and EDC ready. Sandvik 14C28N blade steel which has incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance. The DLC coating adds even more corrosion resistance and toughness with a tumbled blackwash finish for added badassery. It has a comfortable 3 finger grip, G10 scales and the exact beefy handle thickness. Ambidextrous flushed deep carry clip.
Specifications:
-Weight: 3.2 oz.
-Blade Lenght: 2.45 in.
-Blade Width: 1 in.
-Blade Thickness: 3.18 mm
-Handle Lenght: 3.2 in.
-Blade steel: Sandvik 14C28N
SOG - Seal XR
If for whatever reason you need a full size knife in folder form, then this is the one to get. It is available in plain edge and half serrated.
A hard-use folding knife made entirely in the USA. Designed and optimized in consultation with professional users. The SEAL XR provides the feel and functionality of a SEAL knife in the form of a large format pocket knife. Built from GRN and S35VN steel the SEAL XR is an extremely durable knife with high corrosion resistance and edge retention. Fully ambidextrous design the SEAL XR locks open with the secure XR lock. One of the best tactical knives available today.
Specifications:
A hard-use folding knife made entirely in the USA. Designed and optimized in consultation with professional users. The SEAL XR provides the feel and functionality of a SEAL knife in the form of a large format pocket knife. Built from GRN and S35VN steel the SEAL XR is an extremely durable knife with high corrosion resistance and edge retention. Fully ambidextrous design the SEAL XR locks open with the secure XR lock. One of the best tactical knives available today.
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 3.9"
- Overall Length: 9.2"
- Closed Length: 5.3"
- Blade Material: S35VN Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Finish: Black TiNi
- Handle Material: Black Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Locking Mechanism: XR Lock
- Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Reversible
- Weight: 8.2 oz.
- Made in USA
Cold Steel - 1911
The best budget knife on the list. Plenty of good reviews and the design looks great!.
The Cold Steel 1911 folding knife is inspired by the popular 1911 semi automatic pistol. It features a black Griv Ex handle for a sure grip and a tough 4034SS steel blade. The blade is locked in place with a liner lock and an additional safety. The 1911 is lightweight in the hand and pocket, featuring a stainless steel pocket clip for secure carry. The 1911 is an awesome EDC knife ready to tackle your cutting needs.
Specifications:
Weight: 3.1oz
Blade Thickness: 3.3mm
Blade Length: 3in
Blade Steel: 4034SS
Handle Length: 4in
Handle Material: Griv-Ex
Overall Length: 7in
The Cold Steel 1911 folding knife is inspired by the popular 1911 semi automatic pistol. It features a black Griv Ex handle for a sure grip and a tough 4034SS steel blade. The blade is locked in place with a liner lock and an additional safety. The 1911 is lightweight in the hand and pocket, featuring a stainless steel pocket clip for secure carry. The 1911 is an awesome EDC knife ready to tackle your cutting needs.
Specifications:
Weight: 3.1oz
Blade Thickness: 3.3mm
Blade Length: 3in
Blade Steel: 4034SS
Handle Length: 4in
Handle Material: Griv-Ex
Overall Length: 7in
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